In today’s world, we have nearly instant communication with anyone, anywhere. Phones that fit in the palm of our hand let us connect with others quickly, easily, and accurately. That wasn’t always the case. If you’ve ever seen depictions of early American small-town life, a local phone operator would manually push and pull cable plugs to connect callers to receivers. The operator was an important mediator, without whom communication would become impossible. How do you and I connect with God? In his letter to Timothy, Paul gives the assurance that believers are given open access to God the Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. Paul begins by encouraging believers to pray for all people (v. 1). Notice that he includes kings and those in authority in this list. Paul gives a reason: so that “we may live peaceful and quiet lives” (v. 2) and because God “wants all people to be saved” (v. 4). The purpose is for the gospel to go forward! Second, Paul reminds us that Jesus acts as the mediator between individuals and God. Our requests, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings go directly to Him. Paul details Jesus’ work of mediation through the selfless and sacrificial act of giving of His own life as a “ransom for all people” (v. 6). A price was paid so we may be released from the bondage of sin, paid through the death of our mediator, Christ Jesus. Hebrews 4 calls Jesus our “great high priest who has ascended into heaven,” giving us full access to God (v. 14). “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (v. 16) >> In some faith traditions, people do not speak directly to God, they depend on the intercession of a mediator—someone holier than themselves who addresses God on their behalf. Today, celebrate the fact that Jesus is your mediator, and you can speak to God any time you’d like.